U.S. Geological Survey Manual

SM 445-2-H CHAPTER 39

Wildlife Netting Safety

1. Purpose and Scope.

A. To specify the minimum Occupational Safety and Health Program (Program)
requirements for Department of the Interior (Department or DOI) and U.S. Geological
Survey (Bureau or USGS) wildlife netting safety requirements.

B. This chapter applies to all situations involving the use of cannon and
rocket net devices used to propel nets and entrap wildlife.

2. Definitions.

A. Cannon and Rocket Net Devices. Devices used by agencies
to propel nets through the air to quickly entrap various species of wildlife.

B. Explosives. An explosive means any substance or article,
including a device, which is designed to function by explosion (i.e., an extremely
rapid release of gas and heat) or which, by chemical reaction within itself,
is able to function in a similar manner even if not designed to function by explosion.

(1) Division 1.1. Consists of explosives that have a mass
explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire
load instantaneously. High explosives possessing a detonating capability
such as dynamite, nitroglycerin, picric acid, lead azide,
fulminate of mercury, black powder, blasting caps, and primers also known as
boosters.

(2) Division 1.2. Consists of explosives that have a projection
hazard but not a mass explosion hazard.

(3) Division 1.3. Consists of explosives that have a fire
hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both,
but not a mass explosion hazard. Low explosives possessing a flammable
capability such as propellant explosives, including some smokeless propellants
and display fireworks.

(4) Division 1.4. Consists of explosives that present a
minor explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the
package and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to be
expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion
of almost the entire contents of the package. Includes certain types of
manufactured articles containing Class 1.1 or 1.3 explosives, or both, but in
restricted quantities such as consumer fireworks.

(5) Division 1.5. Consists of very insensitive explosives. This
division is comprised of substances that have a mass explosion hazard but are
so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation or of transition
from burning to detonation under normal conditions of transport. The probability
of transition from burning to detonation is greater when large quantities are
transported in a vessel.

(6) Division 1.6. Consists of extremely insensitive articles that
do not have a mass explosive hazard. This division is comprised of articles
which contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and which demonstrate
a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.

(7) Match. Detonator for Division 1.3 explosives.

(8) Squib. Detonator for Division 1.1 explosives.

D. Cannon Net Devices. Large bore cannons that fire a loosely
fitting weighted shell with shock cords and line to the perimeter of the net. Explosives
used in these devices are largely Class 1.3 explosives (smokeless powder) and
detonated with separately stored electric matches.

E. Rocket Net Devices. Newer devices that propel the net
directly with a propelled shell and functionally resemble a non-aerodynamic rocket. They
have a blunt nosecone, a hollow tube body, a stabilizing fin (usually a long
steel rod counterweight), and exhaust ports in the base. These devices
have, on occasion, been referred to as recoilless cannons, but they are more
correctly referred to as rockets because the entire chamber enclosing the explosion
is lofted by the detonation of the charge contained within. These internal
combustion rockets are connected to the nets with shock cords and ropes and are
propelled by electrically fired Class1.3 explosives.

3. Requirements. Those personnel involved in the
use of cannon or rocket net devices shall follow the procedures in this chapter.
Although the procedures are written to apply to rocket net devices, similar precautions
apply to the use of the older projected propulsion systems such as cannons. Note: Any
directions provided by the manufacturer for the loading of their equipment shall
take precedence over the procedures provided herein.

A. Loading the Rocket.

(1) Unscrew nozzle from rocket body.

(2) Remove any debris from inside the rocket body; be certain rocket nozzles
are clear of melted plastic and powder residues.

(3) Insert rocket charge into rocket body.

(4) Pass lead wire through one of the nozzle holes and take up slack lead
wire.

(5) Replace the nozzle on the rocket body and tighten securely (a minimum
of three complete turns). Threads should be periodically cleaned with a
steel brush and greased during storage.

(1) Blasting machines are a preferred power source, but they may not be
practical in some situations.

(2) Connect charges in series with the firing lines after making sure firing
lines are disconnected from power supply and shunted.

(3) Check electrical circuit for continuity with a blasting galvanometer
after hook-up is complete.

(4) Recheck electrical continuity just prior to each trapping attempt.

(5) Firing is accomplished by completing the circuit to the power source
with the firing lines.

C. Safety Requirements.

(1) Rockets and rocket charges must be matched to type. Wildlife
Material Incorporated (WMI) type rockets have exhaust ports of 6.35 millimeters
(.250 inch) or larger and will be used only with WMI type charges. Rockets
or charges that cannot be identified as to type cannot be used.

(2) Personnel should never stand or work in front of a rocket during arming
or in front of an armed rocket net. This applies to all testing of circuit
continuity, net rearrangement work, etc.

(3 )The crank for the firing source (hellbox) must be carried
on the person arming the rocket. If a blasting machine is used, keep it with
you while loading. This prevents accidental discharge of firing source
energies during loading.

(4) Check all firing-circuit continuity with a blasting galvanometer. Some
commercial ohm meters can conceivably fire explosive devices. Several large
explosive companies make explosive circuit galvanometers. For example,
the Atlas Powder Company manufactures a Model No. 2 or equivalent.

(5) All electrical connections must be of a firm and secure quality. Never
skimp on the quality of electrical connections or firing cables.

(6) Firing lines will always remain shunted until the area is cleared of
personnel. Maintain a shunt at the lead wires of the cartridge and the ends of
the firing cable. Immediately after firing, shunt the ends of the firing cable. If
open (unshunted) lead wires are brushed against synthetic fiber clothing, especially
in cold air, residual static electricity could be of such intensity to fire unshunted
cartridges.

(7) Remote-controlled sites shall be at least .80 kilometers (one-half
mile) minimum distance from live circuits. Wattage outputs, climatic conditions,
and energy requirements are so variable that it is impossible to establish a
safe minimum area. Consideration must be given to the danger of an accidental
radio-frequency-caused firing. Low-flying aircraft and high-voltage transmission
lines under ideal conditions can also emit enough energy to trigger electrical
explosive devices.

(8) In the event of an undetermined misfire, a minimum of 30 minutes will
be allowed before proceeding to disarm the rocket.

(2) Conducts periodic evaluations of regional science programs to determine
the effectiveness and degree of rocket-netting safety program administration
and implementation and make recommendations for improvements, as appropriate.

(3) Develops template products to assist the field in meeting rocket-netting
chapter requirements, as appropriate.

(2) Conduct assessments of local programs during formal reviews and inspections.

E. Organizational Managers and Supervisors.

(1) Establish a local rocket-netting program that complies with this chapter’s
requirements and includes personnel training to provide persons with the knowledge,
skills, and ability to perform rocket-netting operations.

(2) Provide personnel instruction on the use and handling of explosives.

(3) Provide immediate supervision and direction of an individual of proven
ability and experience in rocket-netting operations for personnel who do not
have sufficient training and experience to perform explosive work.

(4) Verify that personnel performing rocket-netting operations are trained
in CPR and first aid.

(5) Verify that personnel required to operate a motor vehicle for transporting
explosives are qualified and trained. Should the vehicle be required to
be placarded based on the quantity or hazardous nature of its contents, the operator
of the vehicle shall have a valid State commercial driver’s license.

F. Personnel.

(1) Adhere to all basic rocket-netting safety procedures as well as other
additional safety procedures described in the explosives and rocket-netting chapter
of this Handbook.